Evolution of Educational Technology (2010 to 2020)

  • Rise of Cloud-Based Learning

    • Google Apps for Education gained popularity, enabling cloud-based collaboration.
    • Interactive whiteboards became more widespread in classrooms.
    • The launch of Apple's iPad revolutionized digital learning, with schools beginning to adopt tablets for interactive education.
  • Growth of Open Educational Resources

    • Khan Academy expanded, offering free online courses, paving the way for open educational content.
    • More teachers started using the flipped classroom model (learning online, practicing in class).
    • The first Massive Open Online Courses were launched.
  • Growth of Online Courses & Personalized Learning

    • Harvard and MIT launched edX for free university-level courses.
    • AI-powered tools like DreamBox helped personalize learning.
    • Many schools started BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policies.
  • Learning Management Systems (LMS) Become Popular

    • Google Classroom, Canvas, and Moodle made online learning easier.
  • Fun Learning with Games & Virtual Reality (VR)

    • ClassDojo Kahoot! made learning more engaging through gamification.
    • Minecraft: Education Edition encouraged creativity in learning.
  • Smarter Learning with AI & Data

    • AI-powered tutors and chatbots helped students learn.
    • Schools used learning analytics to track student progress.
    • More tools for special education were developed. (e.g. speech-to-text tools; text-to-speech tools; PhotoMath etc.)
  • Augmented Reality (AR) & Virtual Field Trips

    • Pokémon Go introduced AR in education.
    • Google Expeditions let students take virtual field trips.
  • More Focus on Coding & STEM

    • Coding platforms like Scratch and Code.org became popular.
    • Robotics kits like LEGO Mindstorms Sphero were used in schools.
  • AI & Voice Assistants in Classrooms

    • Alexa Google Assistant started being used for learning.
    • Schools experimented with blockchain for digital diplomas.
  • More Online Collaboration & Smart Data Use

    • Zoom Microsoft Teams became popular for online learning.
    • Schools used Big Data to help students succeed.
  • The Remote Learning Boom (COVID-19 Impact)

    • Schools switched to online learning with Zoom Google Meet.
    • Online exam tools like Proctorio became necessary.
    • Digital equity became a big issue as not all students had access to technology.